Heart Anatomy and Electrical Conduction

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Questions and Answers

What is the pacemaker of the heart?

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

Where does the electrical signal arise in nodal rhythm?

Atrioventricular (AV) Node

What are the fast-conducting fibers that spread the electrical signal throughout the ventricular wall called?

Purkinje Fibers

What is the function of the Atrioventricular (AV) bundle (Bundle of His)?

Divides the electrical signal into right and left branches Signup and view all the answers

What do the right and left bundle branches do?

Conduct electrical signals over the Purkinje fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the second largest vein in the human body that returns blood to the right atrium from the upper half of the body?

Superior vena cava Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest artery in the body?

Aorta Signup and view all the answers

What do the left pulmonary veins do?

Bring oxygen-rich blood from the left lung to the left atrium Signup and view all the answers

Which chamber of the heart receives deoxygenated blood from the body?

Right atrium Signup and view all the answers

What pumps blood to the lungs?

Right ventricle Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest vein in the human body that returns blood to the right atrium from below the diaphragm?

Inferior vena cava Signup and view all the answers

What is the curve of the aorta called?

Aortic arch Signup and view all the answers

What carries blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries?

Pulmonary trunk Signup and view all the answers

What chamber of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs?

Left atrium Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the left ventricle?

Pumps oxygenated blood to the body Signup and view all the answers

What valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle?

Tricuspid valve Signup and view all the answers

What valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle?

Bicuspid valve Signup and view all the answers

Where is the aortic semilunar valve located?

Between the left ventricle and the aorta Signup and view all the answers

What is the heart valve opening from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery called?

Pulmonary semilunar valve Signup and view all the answers

What is the thin covering over the right and left atrium called?

Auricle Signup and view all the answers

What is the thick middle muscle layer of the heart?

Myocardium Signup and view all the answers

What is the outer layer of the heart called?

Epicardium Signup and view all the answers

What is the membrane lining the cavities of the heart?

Endocardium Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the pulmonary circuit?

Pumps blood to the lungs and back to the left side of the heart Signup and view all the answers

What is the systemic circuit?

Circuit of blood that carries blood between the heart and the rest of the body Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Electrical Conduction System of the Heart

The Sinoatrial (SA) Node functions as the heart's natural pacemaker, initiating electrical signals for normal sinus rhythm.
The Atrioventricular (AV) Node serves as a key relay point where the electrical signal moves from the atria to the ventricles, especially during nodal rhythm.
Purkinje Fibers rapidly disseminate the electrical signal throughout the ventricular wall to ensure coordinated contractions.
The Atrioventricular (AV) Bundle, also known as the Bundle of His, divides into right and left bundle branches within the interventricular septum, playing a crucial role in signal transmission.
Right and Left Bundle Branches are responsible for carrying the electrical signals to the Purkinje fibers in the ventricles.

Major Vessels and Chambers of the Heart

The Superior Vena Cava returns deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the right atrium, being the second-largest vein.
The Aorta is the largest artery in the body, distributing oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Left Pulmonary Veins transport oxygenated blood from the left lung to the left atrium.
The Right Atrium collects deoxygenated blood from the body for circulation to the lungs.
The Inferior Vena Cava is the largest vein, carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the right atrium.

Heart Valves and Chambers

The Right Ventricle is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation.
The Tricuspid Valve controls blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle.
The Bicuspid Valve (Mitral Valve) regulates flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
The Aortic Semilunar Valve is positioned between the left ventricle and the aorta, preventing backflow.
The Pulmonary Semilunar Valve opens from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, allowing blood to flow to the lungs.

Structural Components of the Heart

The Myocardium is the thick, muscular middle layer of the heart, essential for contraction.
The Epicardium serves as the outer layer of the heart, providing a protective covering.
The Endocardium lines the heart's chambers and valves, facilitating smooth blood flow.
The Apex is the bottom tip of the heart, pointing downwards and towards the left side.

Circulatory Pathways

The Pulmonary Circuit is responsible for sending deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation and returning oxygen-rich blood to the left side of the heart.
The Systemic Circuit denotes the pathway of blood circulation that delivers oxygenated blood from the heart to various body parts and returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

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Description

Explore the key components of the heart's electrical conduction system with these flashcards. Learn about the Sinoatrial Node, Atrioventricular Node, and Purkinje Fibers, important structures in maintaining a normal heartbeat.